Causes of Gynecomastia

There is no one exact medical reason known to cause Gynecomastia, although several factors are believe to aid to the development of male enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia, the development of excess glandular tissue, or the development of excessive fatty tissue in the male breast can be successfully treated. Excessive glandular breast tissue is considered true Gynecomastia where as the excessive fatty tissue is diagnosed as pseudo-Gynecomastia. Once the underlying cause is determined for Gynecomastia, pseudo or otherwise, treatment options are available.

The main trigger of Gynecomastia is testosterone level lowering making estrogen dominate. Several factors can disturb ones hormone levels from natural hormonal changes and certain health conditions and medications. At birth, over half of the male infants born have enlarged breast that will go away a few weeks after birth. Transference of estrogen from the mother at birth is the cause of infant Gynecomastia. During puberty, it is common, especially for very tall or overweight teen boys to experience a spell of Gynecomastia but the condition generally dissipates itself within a few months to a couple years. Ten percent of teenage boys going through puberty will not out grow Gynecomastia and consult with a doctor should be sought out to determine other underlying causes.

Medications can play another part in the development of Gynecomastia. Anti-androgens, AIDS medications, Anti-anxiety medications, Tricyclic antidepressants, Antibiotics, Ulcer medications, chemotherapy, and certain heart medications are some of the main medications known to play a role in the development of Gynecomastia. Street drugs and alcohol are also known to play a significant role in the development of Gynecomastia. Half of steroid and androgens users will develop Gynecomastia. Alcohol, Amphetamines, Marijuana, and Heroin are also major players in the development of enlarged male breast.

Health conditions such as obesity contribute to the development of Gynecomastia. With poor diets and excessive eating, your body naturally develops excessive fatty tissue. By changing your diet and eating healthy can aid in the reduction of the enlarged male breast, with surgery being another option. Starvation can also lead to the development of Gynecomastia due to the stress it has on the body and hormonal levels. Hypogonadism, Hyperthyroidism, and other conditions that interfere or change normal testosterone production are also commonly associated with male enlarged breast. Aging, kidney and liver failure, cirrhosis, HIV, injuries to the chest wall or spinal cord, genetic disorders, leprosy, leukemia, hemophilia, and certain tumors have also been indicated as being the underlying causes of Gynecomastia.

It is important to give your doctor your complete medical history, including any use of illegal substance to determine the exact underlying cause of Gynecomastia. Only a doctor can provide a diagnosis and offer the best-suited treatment option available for Gynecomastia.